as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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Recent Examples of first-string
If the coach wanted this year’s QB ti be a rusher, like Leonard, (and take plays from Love and Price), why not use Minchey as the first-string QB instead?
—
Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Breslow and his scouts stole a first-string catcher, Carlos Narvaez, from the Yankees, who’d had him in their minor league system since 2015.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025
Hudson has been practicing as the first-string left tackle all spring in Thomas’ absence.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
With the second-string defense facing the first-string offense, QB Bryce Young tried to fit a laser pass through the middle of traffic, and Rozeboom — who spent the past four years with the Los Angeles Rams — batted the ball in the air.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Breslow and his scouts stole a first-string catcher, Carlos Narvaez, from the Yankees, who’d had him in their minor league system since 2015.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025
Hudson has been practicing as the first-string left tackle all spring in Thomas’ absence.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
With the second-string defense facing the first-string offense, QB Bryce Young tried to fit a laser pass through the middle of traffic, and Rozeboom — who spent the past four years with the Los Angeles Rams — batted the ball in the air.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
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Iberostar Waves Quetzal Playa del Carmen, Mexico A beachfront all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resort that welcomes families with excellent children’s programming, Iberostar Waves Quetzal caters to kids and teens ages four to 17 with everything from cooking classes to science experiments.—
Allison Tibaldi,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
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The dual point of view is perfect, the banter and pacing are excellent and the cover is absolutely gorgeous.—
Audrey Goldberg Ruoff,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Chris Shula has been terrific through the first four weeks of this season, engineering a Rams defense that ranks in the top 10 in just about every category.—
Nate Atkins,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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Talanoa Hufanga only had one tackle Monday night, but his impact in the secondary has been felt throughout the early part of the season and was again as the Broncos put the clamps on Cincy’s terrific receivers.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While last week’s performance earned him NFC offensive player of the week, this week’s wasn’t quite as stellar.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
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Aside from a stellar list of writing credits ranging from Captain Phillips to The Hunger Games, Shattered Glass, Flightplan and others, Billy Ray co-created the popular Deadline Strike Talk podcast and writes occasionally for us.—
Billy Ray,
Deadline,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Cam Hart returned from his absence and had a superb tackle near the goal line to force a field goal.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Sep. 2025
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Plenty of five-star hotels and restaurants dotted across Manhattan are home to some superb offerings, combining fine dining with your favorite tea blends.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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See how commonwealth compares to other states The classic Halloween symbol is also great at dividing the masses.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
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At just $30, Universal Thread’s version is a great way to add the style to your rotation at a fraction of the price.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Skor bars are a nonnegotiable addition; the cookies have the perfect toffee-to-chocolate ratio and wonderful texture.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 Oct. 2025
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Today’s tech news follows; have a wonderful weekend.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Highlights include a shareable chef's whim butter board, baked crab dip, snow crab avocado stack, short rib mac and cheese, salt and vinegar fish and chips, bayou baby back ribs and prime grade filet mignon.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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And for food, don’t miss the lobster bisque and Double R Ranch prime ribeye steak.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Melvin is a lovely, lovely bloke.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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The movie’s loveliest section is when Abslam starts to see her with new eyes, admiring her resourcefulness as a gentle romance blooms.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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